Haakaa Electric Nail Care Set

The Haakaa Electric Nail Care Set is a battery-operated nail trimmer that files a baby's nails smooth rather than cutting them, so you can keep small nails neat without reaching for sharp scissors or clippers. Instead of clipping, you attach a spinning trimmer pad and gently file the nail edge — a format many parents find more forgiving for the first jagged newborn nail, when the worry is catching the skin nearby.

Because it works by filing, it helps keep nails smooth and free of the sharp edges that can scratch delicate skin. The set grows with your child too: it comes with a range of trimmer pads graded for different stages, from soft pads for newborns through to a metal pad and cone that adults can use, so the same tool stays useful well beyond the newborn weeks. It's available in Pink, Sage and Taupe.

How it works

• Filing action: A rotating trimmer pad smooths the nail rather than cutting it, which removes the sharp edge without a clipping motion.
• Pressure-activated arrest system: The trimmer is designed to respond to pressure, helping guard against injury if the pad presses too firmly against the skin.
• Two speeds and two rotation directions: You can start slow and adjust, and switch rotation direction, to suit how you're holding your child's hand and how they're settling.
• Quiet motor and LED light: The whisper-quiet motor and built-in light are designed for nighttime filing, so you can tend to nails while baby sleeps.

Choosing the right pad

The pads are colour-coded by stage, so you can match the grit to your child's nails:

How to use

1. Choose the trimmer pad most suitable for your child's age.
2. Hold your child comfortably and securely, keeping their hand steady with fingers spread.
3. Switch the trimmer on while it's held away from your child — the attachment should begin to spin immediately.
4. Start on the slowest speed and gently place the spinning pad onto the end of the nail to begin filing, adjusting the speed as needed.
5. Turn the trimmer off when moving between nails to keep your child comfortable and reduce the chance of accidental contact.
6. Once finished, remove the nail dust from the pad and wash your child's hands.
7. Store safely by removing the attachment and placing all the parts in the storage container.

The compact storage container keeps the body, pads and attachments together, which makes it easy to pack for travel. To keep it in good order, wipe the trimmer gently with a soft, dry cloth or cotton swab, avoid abrasive cleaners, thinners or benzene, and replace the polishing pads as they wear down. Keep the clear insert inside the storage container — it holds the attachments in place.

Best for

The Haakaa Electric Nail Care Set is a great option for parents who:

• Feel nervous using clippers or scissors on a newborn and prefer a filing action
• Want a tool that adjusts by stage, with a quiet motor and light for filing while baby sleeps
• Would like one set the whole family can use, including the adult metal pad and cone

It may not be the best fit if you:

• Prefer a simple manual clipper or emery board with no batteries

Safe use

Contains small parts, so keep it out of reach of children. It requires 2 x AA batteries (not included) — do not use rechargeable batteries. Use only as intended, and avoid contact with skin for extended periods to help prevent friction burns. Do not use on weak, damaged or diseased nails, and store the set in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.